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HR 843 102th Congress House

National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991

Official title: To establish national standards for the manufacture and labeling of certain plumbing products in order to conserve and protect water resources, and for other purposes.

Introduced: April 29, 1992 See on congress.gov
Water Resources Development Consumer goodsElectric appliancesEnergy conservationEnvironmental Protection
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Equipment and suppliesFederal advisory bodiesFederal preemptionForeign Trade and International FinanceImportsIndustrial standardsLabelingStandardsWater conservationWater supplyWater use
This bill died when the 102nd Congress ended
It never became law before the 102nd Congress (1991–1992) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 19, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Feb 19, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.
Feb 19, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.
Feb 6, 1991
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 6, 1991
Introduced in House
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 Latest action February 19, 1991

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991 - Title I: Water Use Standards for Plumbing Products - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe test procedures for classified products.

Directs the Secretary to establish water use performance standards for plumbing products classified as covered products. Requires such standards to be designed to achieve the maximum water efficiency which the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified.

Sets forth maximum water use standards for the following products: (1) water closets; (2) urinals; (3) showerheads; and (4) faucets. Directs the Secretary to prescribe water use standards for any product that is classified as a covered product and manufactured or distributed in commerce on or after the date that is three years after such product receives its classification.

Describes the procedure for prescribing water use standards. Directs the Secretary to reevaluate such standards at the end of each five-year period after the date of enactment of this title. Requires the Secretary to publish the existing water use standards in the Federal Register and to allow a specified period for comment by interested persons.

Exempts safety shower showerheads and aspirator faucets from water use standards.

Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling and marking rules for each classified product. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of determining coverage for additional consumer products.

Establishes a procedure for testing plumbing products and for maintaining test data.

Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to assist the Secretary as necessary.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe rules for any covered product offered for importation.

Sets forth provisions for prohibited acts, enforcement procedures, and the commencement of civil actions under this title.

Declares that standards, procedures, or rules under this title supersede State or river basin commission regulations. Provides for a waiver of Federal preemption over such State or river basin commission regulations.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory committee to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this title by the Secretary and the Commission.

Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on activities under this title.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996.

Title II: Water Use Standards for Dishwashers and Clothes Washers - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the establishment of standards for water use by dishwashers and clothes washers.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 843: National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991. 102nd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-843/
MLA
"H.R. 843: National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991." 102nd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-843/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 843, 102nd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-843/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 843: National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991](https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-843/)
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